Edition 2, 2012

Breadcrumbs

Vice-Chancellor’s Comment

Milestone highlights USC’s impact on region

OUR most recent Graduation ceremony in April featured the significant milestone of USC awarding a degree to its 10,000th graduate.

This achievement highlights the positive impact of the University, which has among its core objectives to increase the participation rates of young people in tertiary education in the region, and to provide local industry with job-ready graduates.

It was a big moment also for Megan Ailey, the young mother of two from Caloundra who became our 10,000th graduate, as she received her Bachelor of Nursing Science along with a Faculty Commendation for high academic achievement.

The number of students graduating each year has increased almost exponentially in recent years and will continue to do so. It won’t be long until USC celebrates its 20,000th graduate.

Among those graduating in April were our first cohorts of students in Civil Engineering and Occupational Therapy—programs that were introduced to meet strong national demand for qualified graduates.

The University campus itself is continuing to grow, with our latest science building officially opened by the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC, in April.

Work will begin soon on two new buildings: our first in Gympie, to be located on the Wide Bay Institute of TAFE campus; and a $25 million building on our Sippy Downs campus that will become our nerve centre for learning technology and student support.

These will contribute greatly to USC’s future educational goals and objectives, as well as our engagement with our broader regional community.

Professor Greg HillVice-Chancellor and President

Around USC

01 USC’s former Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas AM has been appointed to chair the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Board. Professor Thomas retired from USC in mid-2010 after leading the University from initial planning in 1994. Queensland’s Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said Professor Thomas would be accountable for the performance of the local hospital and health board in purchasing and providing health services that meet the needs of the area.02 Three USC Primary Education students know what it feels like to be propelled into orbit to repair a facility on the moon after taking part in simulated exercises at the NASA Space Camp in the United States. Prue Jones, 33, Hannah Ward, 24, and Renee Laing, 25, developed a passion for space science after spending five days at the US Space and Rocket Centre’s Space Academy for Educators in June. The students were awarded scholarships to cover travel costs and camp fees.03 USC hosted a very busy week of community events in early June, with more than 5,000 people visiting the campus. The events included the Sunshine Coast World Environment Day Festival, the Voices on the Coast literary festival, a Science, Engineering and Technology Expo for high school students and USC’s annual Experience USC Days. USC’s partners in staging these events included the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, the Sunshine Coast Council, the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE, Immanuel Lutheran College and Education Queensland.04 A group of USC students spent their semester break snorkelling over reefs off Fiji as part of their assessment for a new business subject, International Field Study. The students completed three tourism-focused projects for the remote Nataleira Village on the east coast of Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu. The students worked to develop tourist snorkelling trails, assessed the health of Moon Reef, and helped launch the area’s first Moon Reef Ocean Festival.05 Winning a men’s baking contest at USC’s annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea charity fundraiser in May provided Italian language studies course coordinator Emanuele Venditti with more fame than he expected. His delicious vegan chocolate cake not only impressed the contest judges but also the Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper, which later featured several of Emanuele’s vegan recipes in its Lifestyle section. Meanwhile, the morning tea event at USC raised $1,466 for cancer research.

Students compete at London Olympics

University cheers on swimmers representing Australia in London

FOR the first time in an Olympic year, University of the Sunshine Coast students have been selected to represent Australia at both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games.

Communication student Tessa Wallace, 18, won the 200m breaststroke event at the national titles in April and qualified to compete at the Olympic Games, which began in late-July.

And Sport and Exercise Science student Blake Cochrane, 21, will line up for at least three swimming events at the Paralympics from late-August after gaining selection in the Australian team recently.

Tessa overcame significant illness and injury—including Ross River fever and a serious knee complication—to claim the national 200m breaststroke crown.

She reduced her study commitments earlier this year so she could concentrate on her demanding 20-hours-a-week training schedule that includes nine pool sessions and several gym workouts.

“I only did one subject last semester but it was still pretty difficult when I was trying to prepare for the Olympics,” she said.

Tessa said she appreciated the assistance she had received from the Commonwealth Government’s Athlete Career and Education (ACE) program and from USC.

Blake’s selection in the Paralympic team has capped off an amazing year, which included winning five gold and one silver medal at the 2011 Para Pan Pacific Championships last August, and setting a new world record in the 100m breaststroke.

The 2008 Paralympian said he was focusing on winning gold in the 100m SB7 breaststroke in London, and will also contest the 50m freestyle, the 200m individual medley and potentially two relays.

Blake said he had worked hard to balance his studies with a demanding six-days-a-week training schedule with the USC-based high-performance Paralympic squad.

Blake’s international achievements saw him receive the Most Outstanding Sporting Achievement of the Year award at the 2012 Australian University Sport (AUS) Annual Awards presentation in May.

Marayke Jonkers is the only other person to have represented Australia at this level of competition while studying at USC. Marayke won two bronze medals at the 2004 Athens Paralympics when she was a Bachelor of Arts (Communication) student.

Come along to USC Open Day

The University of the Sunshine Coast will hold its annual Open Day on Sunday 12 August from 10am to 3pm.

This event is a great opportunity for prospective students to find out about the wide range of programs and courses offered by USC in Business and Information Technology, Communication and Design, Education, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science and Engineering.

Visitors will be able to go on guided tours of the campus, attend seminars about job prospects, learn how to apply to study, chat with USC’s staff and students, enjoy some live entertainment and take part in some fun hands-on activities.

The University’s Library, Art Gallery and the Co-op Bookshop will all be open for the event.Download the Open Day program from the University’s website.

University celebrates its 10,000th graduate

Milestone highlights USC’s role in providing job-ready graduates

WHEN Nursing Science student Megan Ailey crossed the stage at the USC Sports Stadium to receive her degree in April, she claimed the honour of becoming the University’s 10,000th graduate.

Ms Ailey, 22, grew up on the Sunshine Coast and went to Caloundra State High School. She had worked for a local chiropractor before signing up for her degree, which she completed in November 2011.

She said she had enjoyed studying at USC, particularly the valuable work placements at various hospitals and nursing care facilities across the region.

“You get the opportunity to go into local hospitals and experience what it’s going to be like when you finish your degree and start working,” Ms Ailey said.

“All the Nursing Science teachers at USC are nurses too, so they really know what they’re talking about.”

Ms Ailey, who had her second child immediately after finishing her degree, was one of about 130 Nursing Science students to graduate in April. She also received a Faculty Commendation for high academic achievement.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said this milestone was a strong indication of USC’s positive impact in providing job-ready graduates for the region’s industries.

“Within a few years there will be 10,000 students on campus and we’ll probably be acknowledging the 20,000th graduate within five or six years,” he said.

Busy mum earns perfect GPA and Chancellor’s medal

A BUSY mother of two teenagers has completed her Bachelor of Nursing Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast with a perfect grade point average of 7.

Christine Pointon, 42, recently began work at Nambour General Hospital as a Graduate Registered Nurse after receiving nothing short of high distinctions during her three-year degree at USC.

She was recognised for this outstanding achievement at the University’s Graduation ceremony on Wednesday 4 April, where she was presented with a University Medal and gave the Graduands’ Response.

Ms Pointon’s exceptional academic results also contributed to her being selected as a recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal—the University’s highest award for a graduating student.

Engineering graduates stake place in history

SEVEN students staked their place in the history of the University of the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday 4 April when they became USC’s first Civil Engineering graduates.

The Civil Engineering program teaches students how to design, construct, operate, maintain and recycle the physical and natural environments.

The ceremony also saw the University’s first cohort of Occupational Therapy students graduate. Sixteen students completed the four-year degree, which teaches students how to help people experiencing performance problems in daily living caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay, or the effects of ageing.

There are currently about 170 Civil Engineering students and almost 220 Occupational Therapy students enrolled at USC.

Honorary awards presented to high achievers

PROMINENT eye surgeon Dr Mark Loane AM, former Director-General of the National Library of Australia Dr Janice Fullerton and a world leader in environmental science Professor Ian Lowe AO are now Honorary Doctors of the University of the Sunshine Coast.

The high achievers were honoured for their extraordinary achievements and excellence in their respective fields of work at USC’s two Graduation ceremonies in April.

Dr Loane, a glaucoma and cataract surgery specialist at the Vision Eye Institute in Brisbane, was recognised for his work as an ophthalmologist in delivering eye health services to remote Indigenous communities.

Dr Janice Fullerton is a former Sunshine Coast hinterland resident who was the Director-General of the National Library of Australia in Canberra from 1999 to 2010. Her achievements include contributing to the digitisation of Australian libraries.

And Professor Ian Lowe of Marcoola, an adjunct professor of USC, was recognised for his unwavering dedication to science and conservation. Professor Lowe has had significant influence on governments around the world in how they consider environmental issues.

The Graduation ceremonies also saw Honorary Senior Fellowships awarded to low-fat cookbook author Annette Sym and University of the Third Age stalwart Rabbi John D Cooper for their significant contributions to the development of the Sunshine Coast.

Former USC deans Professors Pam Dyer, Rod Simpson and Andrew Hede were rewarded for their sustained dedication to the University. Each became an Emeritus Professor, enabling them to retain the title of “Professor” into their retirements.

Inspiring academics receive USC medals

TWO USC academics who are inspiring the next generation of teachers, artists and designers have been rewarded for their exceptional work.

Senior Lecturer in Art and Design Dr Lisa Chandler and Associate Lecturer in Education Karen Shelley both received a Vice-Chancellor’s Medal for Learning and Teaching at the University’s Graduation ceremonies in April.

Both medal recipients gained $5,000 to support their work.

Honours student helps sea lions in Galapagos

Environmental Science student to conduct climate change research in the Galapagos Islands

A UNIVERSITY of the Sunshine Coast Honours student is spending six months researching climate change in the Galapagos Islands to help save its declining sea lion population.

Mick Dan, 30, of Mudjimba, graduated last year with a USC Bachelor of Environmental Science and has chosen the Galapagos sea lions as his USC Honours project this year.

He left in June and will stay until Christmas.

His research has been supported by a $4,000 grant from the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility and additional funding from USC.

“I first went to the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador as an exchange student with USC’s Global Opportunities Program in 2010,” Mr Dan said.

“I’ve been travelling for 10 years to places like India, Nepal, China and Korea.

“I’m interested in conservation and ecology and how we can best prepare our species and environment for climate change.”

Mr Dan’s project is being supervised by Dr Judith Denkinger of the University of San Francisco’s de Quito campus, along with USC’s Dr Neil Tindale, Professor Richard Warrick and Dr Sheila Peake.

“Sea lions are top of the food chain so they will feel the effects of climate change as the water becomes too warm for their food,” Mr Dan said.

World is Emma’s oyster during study at USC

WHEN Emma Barton of Brisbane enrolled at USC for a more personalised experience than a bigger city university, she didn’t realise her combined Arts/Business degree would also bring her the world.

The Clayfield resident has made the most of her opportunities at USC, travelling overseas three times in four years to study, research and gain multicultural understanding.

“I’ve had incredible opportunities at uni and when they were offered, I just said ‘yes’,“ she said.

My study has been flexible and the real job experience has been second to none.”

Ms Barton travelled to Germany and France on a Global Opportunities trip, did research for seafood marketing in China and enjoyed a PR internship in Fiji.

Academic leads global study of sustainability education

AN examination of sustainability education for teacher education students around the globe will be conducted by an Associate Professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

USC’s Head of Discipline for Education Dr Deborah Heck said she and American academic Victor Noblet were collecting data for a report on the United Nations’ Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005–2014).

Dr Heck outlined her plans for the report at a symposium of the International Network for Reorienting Teacher Education toward Sustainability held by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Canada in mid-May.

Dr Heck was invited to speak at the symposium and to represent teacher education institutions in the Asia Pacific Region. Representatives from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America and the Caribbean also attended.

“What we are trying to establish is whether other teaching institutions around the world are implementing education for sustainability,” she said.

Dr Heck said the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development aimed to integrate the principles, values and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning.

Funding paves way for tree-friendly research

Permeable paving project gains $150,000 grant

Exciting new research at the University of the Sunshine Coast into a pavement structure that promotes water harvesting to aid urban tree growth has won a $150,000 Federal Government grant.

USC Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering Dr Terry Lucke earned a competitive Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project grant in July for his work in designing a permeable paving bed with an underlying reservoir.

“We are trying to develop pavers that are basically self-sufficient tree pods that can store water in times of drought—sort of like an underwater tank system under the pavement,” he said. “The added bonus of this design is that pavement damage will be reduced because the tree roots won’t go up to the top of the pavement seeking water.”

The partner organisation for Dr Lucke’s research is the Sunshine Coast Council.

Study focuses on stingless bees

USC research into the chemical properties of honey and a resinous mixture called propolis produced by Australian sugarbag bees (Tetragonula carbonaria) attracted plenty of attention at the World Environment Day Festival on campus on 3 June.

PhD student Flavia Massaro of Italy and fellow USC researchers teamed up with regional bee keepers to present information about bees and bee products at the festival.

Ms Massaro’s research into natural product chemistry will provide a chemical reference point for analyses by other USC researchers into the biological potential of propolis, possibly for medicinal applications.

Seniors take on virtual challenges for research

A group of seniors experienced alpine skiing and tightrope walking in the comfort of their own homes as part of a research project on balance recently by USC PhD student Vaughan Nicholson.

Vaughan, who is a physiotherapist, is examining whether the coordination and balance for people aged over 55 can be improved by completing virtual balance exercises on a popular video game.

The research project, which is supported by the Australian Fitness Network, involved participants from Lend Lease’s Hibiscus Bellflower Retirement Resort and Hibiscus Chancellor Park.

Photos provide clearer picture about nursing

Nursing Science student Larissa Jenkins snapped up first and third prizes in a “Transformers Photography Competition” held by USC to mark International Nurses Day in May.

Larissa’s image of a nurse wearing surgical gloves that featured written descriptions of the many important roles that nurses play in the health care system was judged the best of 20 entries.

Another photo that she took of a nurse assisting a young patient claimed third prize behind an image by Master of Midwifery student Stephanie Nudd of a nurse’s hands and fob watch.

USC’s Professor of Nursing Margaret McAllister said the contest would help shine an accurate light on the values and achievements of nurses and midwifes.

Governor opens USC’s new science building

University’s growth praised by Governor during opening ceremony

THE Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC, officially opened USC’s new science building on 30 April.

More than 100 guests attended the event to open the $4.75 million, four-storey building, which has provided three interactive tutorial spaces/lecture theatres, meeting rooms and staff offices for the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.

The Governor congratulated the University on its planned growth, particularly for its commitment to the environment and environmental sustainability.

“I believe that this area of specialisation is set to become one of the defining features of the University,” she said.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said the building opening was important for USC.

“This building will help support the growth of two of our most successful professional programs—Nursing Science and Engineering,” he said.

Ironman champ dives into study

QUEENSLAND’S 2012 Ironman Champion Ali Day is now studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

The Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club competitor had a great season this year, finishing second in the elite Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series, winning the State championships and claiming third at the Australian titles.

Mr Day, 21, moved to Mooloolaba from Kiama in NSW last September and, on the advice of his coach Michael King and other mentors, applied to study at USC.

He said he found the academic rigour to be a good counterbalance to his demanding surf lifesaving commitments.

“You just can’t think Ironman 24/7. Studying is another outlet for me, rather than just living and breathing my sport.”

Engineering students pasta the stress test

Annual spaghetti bridge competition brings out the best in engineering students

A 35 centimetre bridge made only of pasta and superglue, but strong enough to support an adult’s body weight, won USC’s 2012 spaghetti bridge competition in April.

Civil Engineering students Beau Norman and Jayden Walter designed and built a sturdy 231g bridge that carried a load of 76.2kg (330 times its own weight) during stress testing. They were awarded the Covey Associates’ perpetual shield and $200 in prizemoney.

Student teams spent weeks designing and refining their constructions as part of their assessment for the subject, Mechanics of Materials, before each bridge was assessed using state-of-the-art load testing equipment.

This year, students were also awarded points for the aesthetic appeal of their bridges, which led to some groups submitting elaborate and elegant designs.

Among the most stunning constructions were bridges by team mates Samuel Taylor and Kristopher Jopson and by Dominic Vrolijks.

Prizes add up for Accounting student

FINAL-YEAR Accounting student Amy Reardon of Sippy Downs received the biggest cache of prizes at USC’s 2012 School of Business Awards Ceremony recently.

Amy, 25, collected four awards—worth a total of $1,650—for excelling in the second year of her Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) last year.

She received the $500 ANZ Bank Prize for the highest-achieving student in Introduction to Financial Planning, the $500 CPA Australia Prize for the best second-year Accounting student, the $400 Garland Waddington Prize for the best student in Retirement and Superannuation, and the $250 John Wiley and Sons Australia Prize for the best student in Company Accounting.

Innovation Centre rewards clever business proposals

IT might have been the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast’s 10th birthday in early May, but the award-winning centre was the one handing out the presents.

More than $26,000 in prizes were presented to the top three entries in a National Business Pitch Competition, held on 3 May as part of the ICSC’s celebration of a decade of supporting smart business success on the Sunshine Coast.

About 170 guests watched as Kath Massey of Massey Online Management received prizes worth $23,000 for her proposal to develop online support for caravan parks.

Second prize of $2,100 went to Levi Leckenby of Auzion for new technology to monitor energy use, while Linda Glassop of PREPit Pty Ltd gained $1,100 for her cloud-based writing application proposal.

Rotary shows support for postgraduate students

High-achieving students rewarded by Rotary clubs

THREE outstanding postgraduate students—whose passions range from teaching to politics to science—have each gained a $3,500 Rotary scholarship.

Jen Castell of Woombye, Cate Morriss of Caboolture and Corinna Burgin-Maunder of Mooloolaba received scholarships in front of 200 guests at USC’s Innovation Centre auditorium in late-May.

The combined Rotary clubs of the Sunshine Coast established the scholarships in 2001 to support students progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate studies at USC.

Ms Castell is doing a Master of Education after completing her undergraduate Arts and Education degrees at USC. She is researching the value of overseas teaching and learning experiences.

Ms Morriss is working on her Arts doctorate in international relations, taking a feminist perspective of policy-making processes in the Pacific region.

Ms Burgin-Maunder is now studying for her PhD in Science. Her doctorate continues her Honours research into how and why fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids are able to improve human health.

Former Foundation boss says farewell

FORMER USC Foundation Executive Officer Andrew Pentland has thanked the Sunshine Coast community for its strong support during his 12 years at the University.

Mr Pentland, who had been responsible for USC’s fundraising initiatives since 1990, is now working for a Brisbane medical research organisation.

“Support for USC came in many different forms, through new contacts and friends, in-kind gifts as well as financial support,” he said.

“Students have been the main beneficiaries of this support, followed by the University’s building program and campus enhancement initiatives.”

Mr Pentland said he had enjoyed his role in developing relationships between the community and USC.

“More than $10 million has been given in cash and in-kind support during this time,” he said.

“I wish to thank all those who have assisted the USC Foundation.”

Scholarships give rugby players a lift

USC and The Encouragement Foundation, with the support of Sunshine Coast Rugby Union, have established the University’s first rugby union scholarships.

The USC Encouragement Foundation Rugby Scholarships are funded by members of the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union community who wish to support premier level players from the Sunshine Coast Stingrays who are also undertaking full-time study at USC.

10-year plus reunion

GRADUATES from 1999–2002 have been invited to attend a 10-year-plus alumni reunion to be held at USC’s Innovation Centre auditorium on Saturday 3 November.

USC Alumni Relations Officer Anita Edmonds said the reunion would provide past students with an opportunity to reminisce over shared experiences.

Design graduates shine in Dubai

Two USC graduates stole the show at the recent Middle Eastern Internet Awards.Website designers Damian Brennan, 27, and Luis Grolez, 28, of DreamsCreative won awards for Best New Website (Media and Communications) and Best New Website (Travel) at the awards night in Dubai in April.

Mr Brennan and Mr Grolez both graduated from USC in 2007 with Arts degrees in Computer-Based Art and Design. Mr Brennan also completed a Business degree with a minor in marketing.

They also received the Queensland Government’s $10,000 Indian Friendship Scholarship, which helped pay for accommodation and other living expenses.

Masters student Shravan Muralidhar, 25, who is specialising in visual communication at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, also studied at USC last semester on a $10,000 USC International Scholarship.

Senior Lecturer in Art and Design Kevin Todd said the cross-cultural relationships between USC and institutions in India were important and enriching for those involved.

Mr Todd will travel to Bharati Vidyapeeth University this semester to conduct lectures and run workshops in Art and Design.

Exhibitions

Stefan Dunlop: ten years | Thursday 12 July–Saturday 18 August

Stefan Dunlop has exhibited widely and his work is held in many private collections in Australia and overseas. A figurative painter, his large works use contemporary images and people in contemporary settings, but always with classical references. Using colour and tone, he allows the viewer to fill in the blanks and finish telling the often humorous story. Paintings in the exhibition have been borrowed from private collections in New South Wales and Queensland, along with new work destined for the Melbourne Art Fair. Also included are works from a 2010 residency at the University of Texas in Dallas, along with recent work.

The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art recognise and promote excellence in senior visual arts education throughout Queensland state schools and non-state schools. This annual exhibition, held in conjunction with the Queensland Department of Education, Training and Employment (DETE), showcases the best of the region’s senior high school art work.

These exhibitions will present two international artists from diverse cultures and experience who create artwork on similar themes. Swedish artist Kicki Hankell’s artistic career includes illustration, design, film-making and television, video graphics and animation, painting and drawing. This exhibition explores themes of family love, femininity and life. Korean artist Park Nam-Hee’s vivid digital images fuse prehistoric Korean symbols and imagery with fractal forms, evoking layers of time and interconnected human experience.

The University of the Sunshine Coast’s Art Gallery is fast recruiting friends using social media. Assistant curator Lou Jaeger said the gallery joined Facebook recently in a bid to promote current and future art exhibitions, social events and art news to friends around the globe. The gallery’s business page already has more than 200 friends. It provides links to local and international art news and events and is a source of feedback and debate for the gallery’s exhibitions.

The 2012 University of the Sunshine Coast Gallery exhibition program is proudly supported by the Proost-De Deyne Family, owners of Big Kart Track Sunshine Coast.

USC services

Staff-only services

Locations

Pages on the USC website can contain information specific to one, many or all study locations. Make a selection from the options below to control which location-specific information is displayed. All locations are displayed by default.

Sippy Downs

Fraser Coast

SouthBank

Gympie

Noosa

Show all

This page is location-aware

Pages on the USC website can contain information specific to one, many or all study locations. Make a selection in the location settings (accessed via the footer or the button below) to control which location-specific information is displayed. All locations are displayed by default.